The Illinois Prairie Community Foundation (IPCF) is offering its 2025 Youth Engaged in Philanthropy (YEP) Grants, managed by a cohort of 15 high school students from McLean, DeWitt, Livingston, and Logan counties. This program seeks to support youth-focused initiatives and distribute $10,000 in total funding. Applications are encouraged to prioritize youth involvement in both project planning and the application process, as organizations engaging youth in completing their application will receive priority in grant decisions.

The grant program is open to nonprofit organizations with 501(c)(3) status, those with a fiscal sponsor of such status, government units (including public schools), nonprofit higher education institutions, and tax-exempt religious organizations (programs may not proselytize). Eligible projects must have a direct or significant impact on youth and serve at least one of the four counties in the IPCF service area.

Grants are available for a funding period from February 1, 2025, to January 31, 2026, and applicants must use a budget form provided by the IPCF Grants Committees, available in Word and Excel formats. Applications may only be submitted online and must be received by 5:00 p.m. Central Time on September 30, 2024. The online portal will automatically close at the deadline, regardless of whether an application is still in progress.

Applicants should not submit the same program for multiple grants in the same cycle. For example, a project submitted to the YEP Grant cannot also be submitted to the Women to Women Giving Circle or Environment & Nature Grants. However, organizations may apply to other grant categories in later cycles if the projects are distinct and meet specific grant criteria.

If awarded, organizations are required to submit a follow-up report on the project’s success within 60 days of its completion. Any changes to the use of funds or unspent funds must be communicated to YEP for approval. Applicants are encouraged to draft their application responses in a separate document and copy them into the online system to avoid technical issues.

For additional information, support, or mentorship in completing the application, organizations can contact Michele Evans, Grants & Communications Director, at 309-662-4477 or mevans@ilprairiecf.org.